Sheffield Eagles’ walking wounded

Matt Young

Sheffield Eagles will be keeping a close eye on the fitness of a number of top performers ahead of a tough clash with London Broncos on Friday.

Director Mark Aston will be sweating over the fitness of experienced front-rower Scott Wheeldon and winger Garry Lo who were both sidelined for the Challenge Cup defeat to Wakefield last week.

Wheeldon looks to have the best chance of being available following a calf problem that forced him off at Bradford in recent weeks and Aston is keen to have the former Castleford man in the side.

“Scott wasn’t quite ready for the Wakefield game but we are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be okay for Friday,” Aston said.

“It is only a tweak at the top end of his calf. Hoopefully he will be fine for the London game.”

Lo has only made two appearances this season, and is currently recovering from a short-term shoulder problem. Whilst he remains a doubt, one player who will be back is fellow winger Ben Blackmore who returns following a ban.

“Garry Lo is the same as Scott, he isn’t quite at the level just yet but we will have Ben Blackmore available again,” said Aston.

“We are hoping to have a couple of people back because we will need our best team out to get a result. That is important to us this Friday.”

During the defeat to Wakefield Eagles also lost second-rower Duane Straugheir to what was thought to be a concussion. He was sent to hospital for a scan, and it has been later revealed that the 26-year-old has suffered a fractured eye socket.

Centre George Tyson was also forced off at Belle Vue, but he will be fit to face the Broncos.

The game at Bawtry Road could see the return of former favourite Eddie Battye who left the Eagles during the close season to join London.

The Broncos moved level on points with leaders Leigh Centurions after a narrow victory over Whitehaven last week.